No functional differences for rotator cuff arthropathy treated with 135 º or 155 º prosthesis

SAN DIEGO — Among patients who had reverse shoulder arthroplasty for rotator cuff arthropathy, key shoulder function parameters did not improve any more with a 135 º prosthesis vs. a 155 º prosthesis, according to presenter at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting, here.

“There are few studies comparing 135 º to 155 º designs” of reverse shoulder arthroplasty, Patrick J. Denard, MD, said.

Patrick J. Denard

He reported that Reuben Gobezie, MD, and Yousef Shishani, MD, performed a prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluate results with both prostheses for the indication of rotator cuff arthropathy. The investigators focused on differences in the patients’ shoulder function and any scapular notching at minimum 2-year follow-up.

Based on digitally recorded range of motion results and shoulder outcome measures, both groups had the same improvement in forward elevation, as well as pain scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, Simple Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores and Simple Shoulder Test results at 23 postoperative months, mean.

“There was no difference in external rotation in the 135 º group; similar results in the 155 º group, with no statistically significant improvement in external rotation, but otherwise improving in all other parameters,” Denard said.

In terms of scapular notching, results showed the occurrence of this phenomenon was higher in the 155 º group.

“This study did not demonstrate a difference in function between patients with the 135 º and the 155 º [prosthesis]. Results showed a significantly higher scapular notching rate in the 155 º group,” Denard said, noting what was unique about the study was both prostheses had the same design.

He said all patients received a neutral glenospheric implant, which meant the patients with the 135 º design did not have lateralized glenospheres implanted. – by Susan M. Rapp

Reference:

Gobezie R, et al. Paper #534. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 14-18, 2017; San Diego.

Disclosure: Denard reports he received IP royalties from, is a paid consultant to, is a paid presenter/speaker for and receives research support from Arthrex.